Pharmacists baffled as Nigerians confuse drug shops

“There is this mix-up, and sometimes it baffles us,” said pharmacist Superior Atumen, chairman of PSN’s Abuja chapter. “Even in the media, there is no distinction between a pharmacy that is duly registered by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and a medicine shop.”In a press briefing to mark World Pharmacists Day in Abuja, Atumen said […]

“There is this mix-up, and sometimes it baffles us,” said pharmacist Superior Atumen, chairman of PSN’s Abuja chapter. “Even in the media, there is no distinction between a pharmacy that is duly registered by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and a medicine shop.”
In a press briefing to mark World Pharmacists Day in Abuja, Atumen said the proliferation of drug shops and the need to provide professional drug advice to patients mandated a distinction between pharmacies and medicine shops.
It came as WPD 2013 coordinated by the International Federation of Pharmacists focused on making drug use less complex by ensuring patients get necessary advice from trained pharmacists.
Atuman insisted that consumers look out for the green cross (Rx) sign displayed on the notice of registered pharmacies, look out for premises and practice licences displayed within sight and demand to see a pharmacist.
Atumen said: “If you walk into a pharmacy, you can identify the pharmacist with the white overalls and practising licence displayed conspicuously. You must ask questions. Whenever you enter a pharmacy, always ask to see the pharmacist.”
He added though current density of pharmacist was too low to adequately serve the population, PSN members continually take outreaches to under-served rural areas where professional care is lacking.